There is an opportunity for free training on the new, live radiocarbon database for Britain and Ireland; the first repository of its kind.
This hybrid training day works through the lifecycle of radiocarbon data, from sample selection right to deposition. It will provide a practical introduction to the new radiocarbon database as a research tool, with a focus on Scottish data, including an introduction to analysing results. There will be dedicated time for Q&A throughout.
DETAILS
When: 22nd October 2026, 10am–3pm
Where: In person at the Engine Shed (Forthside Way, Stirling, FK8 1QZ), or join online
(hybrid session)
Cost: Free
Category: Research, Developer-led archaeology
Event type: Learning session
Level: Quite technical
Audience: Developer-led and academic archaeologists, local and national government curators, museum staff, archivists, data managers, postgraduate researchers, and members of local societies
Time: 10am to 3pm
OVERVIEW
Radiocarbon dating is central to how we understand the past. Every year, thousands of results are produced. Yet until now, these data have often been scattered, hard to find, or at risk of being lost altogether, with no single agency officially responsible for safeguarding. Project Radiocarbon changes that — led by academics at Manchester Metropolitan University and University College Dublin and working with partners including Historic Environment Scotland, Historic England, and heritage bodies across Ireland — it brings together 35,000+ dates from across Ireland and Britain into one open, searchable, map-based repository.
If you work in or research archaeology or heritage this is your chance to see how the
new system makes data more visible, more useful, and permanently safeguarded.
Learning outcomes
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
- Understand the principles of radiocarbon dating, and how to select appropriate
samples for reliable results, - Understand how Bayesian statistical analysis can combine ¹⁴C dates with site-
stratigraphic, phasing and other chronological information to produce more
precise chronologies, - Search and navigate the Project Radiocarbon repository using its interactive
map-based interface, search by period, site type, or geographic scale, and
understand how tools like Period reconcile different regional terminologies, - Contribute to the development of the practical process and standards for
submitting new radiocarbon results to Historic Environment Scotland via the
repository, - Apply the repository’s resources to their own research, heritage management, or
public engagement work.
Who should attend?
Archaeologists and heritage professionals working with radiocarbon
dates in planning/infrastructure projects.
Curatorial and planning archaeologists in local authorities and heritage
agencies
Academic researchers and postgraduate students
Museum and government heritage staff
Anyone in Scotland’s archaeology sector curious about the new
repository
Fees
Spaces are free but limited — sign up via Eventbrite to secure your place.
Schedule
10am-10.15am Introduction
10.15am-11am Session 1. Intro to 14C and best practices in sample selection
11am-11.30am coffee
11.30am-12.15pm Session 2. Bayesian analysis
12.15pm-1pm lunch (find your own. Attendees are welcome to bring things and sit and
eat in the auditorium)
1pm-1.45pm Session 3. Using the database – worked examples.
1.45pm-2.30pm Session 4. Depositing results with HES
2.30-3pm Q and A